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From reporter Lee Kenny:
Canterbury’s mayors have called for an additional $1 billion to improve transport in the region, but no-one can say exactly what the extra cash would be spent on.
The funding is one of three “immediate priorities” in the Plan for Canterbury 2023-2025, which says… View moreFrom reporter Lee Kenny:
Canterbury’s mayors have called for an additional $1 billion to improve transport in the region, but no-one can say exactly what the extra cash would be spent on.
The funding is one of three “immediate priorities” in the Plan for Canterbury 2023-2025, which says ensuring the transport system is “fit for purpose requires significant investment”.
The document has been drawn-up by Canterbury Mayoral Forum, which is made up of the mayors of Canterbury’s 10 territorial authorities and Peter Scott, chairperson of Environment Canterbury (ECan).
It doesn’t state exactly how the extra billion would be spent, but one transport expert said although the extra detail “would be useful”, it was still a good message to send to Wellington.
A report published on Wednesday said the additional $1b for the region’s “vast transport network” is required over the next 10 years as “current funding sources do not meet present or future [...] resilience requirements”.
When asked what specific projects the $1b might fund, Hurunui District mayor Marie Black said: “At this point it’s probably not useful to think about specific details, but actually the direction that we are looking is to create a better link and help people mind-shift into that integration.”
Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger was not available for comment, while Ecan was also unable to respond to questions about what the cash would be used for.
The Mayoral Forum report said transport strongly influences economic development, “supporting supply chains that are critical for getting our exports to market and imports back to us”.
“Current funding sources from local authorities and the National Land Transport Fund will not meet current needs, particularly when faced with resilience issues.”
Although no specific concerns or solutions are stated, “there are options to be investigated”, the report said.
Christchurch transportation engineer Glen Koorey said it was good news that transport was being prioritised by the region’s mayors but greater detail “would be useful”.
Ministers often expect people to “present a case”, when they are asking for extra funding.
“Having said that, it’s probably a useful message to be able to say to Wellington, we feel we're a bit underserved.
“Canterbury has often felt underserved in terms of funding, Wellington often seems to do better for a region the same size, if not smaller,” he said.
“I can understand (the Canterbury Mayors) asking for a bigger piece of the pie.”
The Plan for Canterbury 2023-2025 also calls for improved flood prevention and better policies to attract skilled workers to region, as Canterbury’s gross domestic product (GDP) per person “lags (behind) the national average”.
Canterbury is New Zealand’s largest region by land area, with 78,000km of rivers and streams, which present “substantial risk of major flooding events”, the report said.
The mayors are calling on the Government for “permanent co-investment in flood protection”, to shift the focus from disaster relief and recovery to mitigation of flood risks, reducing the long-term costs.
The Rangitata River burst its banks in December 2019 causing widespread flooding, while extreme rain in May 2021 led to a regional state of emergency and hundreds of evacuations.
These recent events demonstrated how vulnerable parts of the region are to flooding, said Gary Kircher, mayor for Waitaki District, which also spans Otago.
“Flooding has impacted us probably more than other natural disasters,” he said.
“Just last July and August there were multiple flood events around Omarama and Otematata, and we have those challenges across the region.”
The mayors will travel to Wellington next month to outline their aims to ministers.
“Having one voice is going to be more effective and benefit all of us,” Kircher said.
Does anyone know where I can get my electric blanket checked in Christchurch? Saxon Appliances did them but they are now closed.
Only 3 people a day DIED last week, with14200 new cases. 2670 here in CHCH
It is a good job we do not have to worry about it.
OneNews actually covered it last night and reported it was likely to get worse with the new strain 4. Add Flu into the mix and things are not looking pretty. Must be the … View moreOnly 3 people a day DIED last week, with14200 new cases. 2670 here in CHCH
It is a good job we do not have to worry about it.
OneNews actually covered it last night and reported it was likely to get worse with the new strain 4. Add Flu into the mix and things are not looking pretty. Must be the Govt fault for people not wearing masks in high-risk areas.
Finding the answer
I have lived in New Zealand for the last twelve years, after being born and raised in Somerset, England. My parents ran a playgroup in our house for much of my childhood and I made close friends there, but I still felt isolated and different to everyone else.
I always loved … View moreFinding the answer
I have lived in New Zealand for the last twelve years, after being born and raised in Somerset, England. My parents ran a playgroup in our house for much of my childhood and I made close friends there, but I still felt isolated and different to everyone else.
I always loved food. We were able to help ourselves from the cupboards at home when I was young, with no restrictions. I believe a normal eater would just eat until they were full, but I could not stop. I put extra food in Mum's shopping basket and would gorge on leftovers at night with my friends. My friend’s dad owned a pub and when the half-eaten plates came back, I would pick chips off them, chatting as I did so, to my friends' astonished faces.
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."
From the poem 'For the fallen' by Laurence Binyon
Our CAB branches and time at the Loft will be closed for ANZAC day on Tuesday, 25 April, but we will be open for the rest of the week if you need any help.
If you are looking to attend an ANZAC parade then check out the 'Read More' link to the Libraries information on parades through … View moreOur CAB branches and time at the Loft will be closed for ANZAC day on Tuesday, 25 April, but we will be open for the rest of the week if you need any help.
If you are looking to attend an ANZAC parade then check out the 'Read More' link to the Libraries information on parades through the City and beyond.
Don't go old-school this winter and just throw on another jersey to beat the cold. You deserve to be truly comfortable in a warm, dry home without stressing about power bills.
Warmer Kiwi Homes is a government grant that offers 80% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and up to… View moreDon't go old-school this winter and just throw on another jersey to beat the cold. You deserve to be truly comfortable in a warm, dry home without stressing about power bills.
Warmer Kiwi Homes is a government grant that offers 80% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and up to 80% off an energy-efficient heater, like a heat pump.
And you may get it even cheaper than that - lots of community organisations offer extra funding to reduce the cost further.
Check your eligibility, or check for your whānau, at www.warmerkiwihomes.govt.nz
Mothers Day Market Curated Pop Up Shops meets Bush Inn Mall Stores to bring a day of shopping target Mums Mothers there will be a photo booth all weekend but need to book only limited spaces
Great range of shops you will find from clothing ,crafts ,flowers ,chocolates,fudge etc
Where Bush… View moreMothers Day Market Curated Pop Up Shops meets Bush Inn Mall Stores to bring a day of shopping target Mums Mothers there will be a photo booth all weekend but need to book only limited spaces
Great range of shops you will find from clothing ,crafts ,flowers ,chocolates,fudge etc
Where Bush Inn Mall
When 12th 13th 14th May
Time 10am to 5pm
Location Riccarton
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a subscription to New Zealand’s favourite lifestyle magazine, NZ House & Garden. Either gift or purchase a 1-year subscription to
NZ House & Garden for only $89, save $38!
NZ House & Garden is the authority on interiors, homes and gardens. We cross … View moreCelebrate Mother’s Day with a subscription to New Zealand’s favourite lifestyle magazine, NZ House & Garden. Either gift or purchase a 1-year subscription to
NZ House & Garden for only $89, save $38!
NZ House & Garden is the authority on interiors, homes and gardens. We cross the style boundaries — from the smallest, most beautifully crafted spaces to designer showstoppers. Then there’s the sumptuous food with recipes you’ll really want to try, carefully curated travel and all the latest homeware and shopping trends.
Happy Mother’s Day,
NZ House & Garden
Refresh an old table with a Resene Colorwood Whitewash finish.
Learn how to make old new again wiith these handy instructions.
Sadly our SPCA Op Shop in Woolston is closing down due to the lease ending but rest assured as we are relocating to Sydenham instead, with the shop now almost double the size! Opening in May, our new location will be ready to visit at 428 Colombo Street, Sydenham. Woolston's last day will be … View moreSadly our SPCA Op Shop in Woolston is closing down due to the lease ending but rest assured as we are relocating to Sydenham instead, with the shop now almost double the size! Opening in May, our new location will be ready to visit at 428 Colombo Street, Sydenham. Woolston's last day will be Monday 8th May 2023.
Along with Sydenham, please don't forget we still have four other locations available across Christchurch to visit at:
📍 Linwood Op Shop, 244 Linwood Avenue
📍 Riccarton Op Shop, 52 Acheron Drive
📍 Papanui Op Shop, 30 Main North Road
📍 Hornby Op Shop, 1 Amyes Road
💻 Or shop from anywhere at any time and have items delivered straight to your door with our Online Op Shop at www.spcaopshops.nz...
We’re so grateful for years of your support all helping to raise money for animals in need, thank you 💙
As there is so much to see in the Botanic Gardens you might like to consider taking a tour. There are a number of different options for tours.
Running until the end of April. Check out the link in 'Read More' for full details.
The 2023 General Election is to be held on Saturday 14th October 2023 - that's less than 6 months until you make your vote!
In the lead up to the election, what issues are you most wanting to hear from parties and their candidates about?
Type NFP if you want your comments excluded from … View moreThe 2023 General Election is to be held on Saturday 14th October 2023 - that's less than 6 months until you make your vote!
In the lead up to the election, what issues are you most wanting to hear from parties and their candidates about?
Type NFP if you want your comments excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
It’s your last chance to win this brand-new,, fully-furnished home located just north of Auckland in the stunning beachside town of Mangawhai.
Valued at over $1.4 million and built to perfection by Jennian homes, this brand-new home features three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and boasts an … View moreIt’s your last chance to win this brand-new,, fully-furnished home located just north of Auckland in the stunning beachside town of Mangawhai.
Valued at over $1.4 million and built to perfection by Jennian homes, this brand-new home features three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and boasts an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area.
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental or even sell it. Tickets only $15 – get in quick and purchase more tickets today.
From reporter Nadine Roberts:
It’s a slice of Kiwi childhood, with a helping of rough and tumble adventure where cotton wool is banished.
But Little River Campground on Banks Peninsula may be about to have its last marshmallow toast on the unfenced campfire, after a complaint to WorkSafe … View moreFrom reporter Nadine Roberts:
It’s a slice of Kiwi childhood, with a helping of rough and tumble adventure where cotton wool is banished.
But Little River Campground on Banks Peninsula may be about to have its last marshmallow toast on the unfenced campfire, after a complaint to WorkSafe left owners Marcus Puentener and Megan Gainsford afraid of the liability they face in order to be safety compliant.
An unknown complainant reported safety concerns after a woman dislocated her leg on the slippery slide in February.
The complainant also said the boardwalks through the native forest were rotten, a trampoline was dangerous and an outdoor power cord to a glitter globe above a campfire was not safe when it rained.
Puentener said the accident in February was unfortunate and was created because the polythene sheet was in two sections. One sheet blew up, causing the woman to get caught, he said. He immediately closed the slide down and was working on how to make it safer.
It was just the second serious accident since the couple took over the campground – the other was after a woman jumped off a trampoline and injured her leg on slippery grass.
Although WorkSafe had been supportive and helpful so far, Puentener said the complaint had forced the couple to re-evaluate the future of the campground.
A WorkSafe spokesperson confirmed they had been contacted about a “number of concerns” relating to the campground but said it could continue operating while addressing health and safety concerns.
“The concerns raised are easily resolvable with attention, which will both keep children safe and provide that reassurance to parents and caregivers,” the spokesperson said.
However, Puentener said if they had to upgrade the boardwalk through five hectares of native bush they would have to find hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. With Puentener as the only employee, large scale changes were not financially viable.
Now the couple are weighing up what they can do in order to reopen in October, but Puentener admits to feeling disheartened and unsure of the way forward after a difficult year when numbers through the gate have not been what he hoped.
Options include closing off the native area or putting it under the guidance of a trust. Both would see the demise of the slippery slide, giant swing and boardwalk.
The couple are also considering upping the price for campers or offering a membership scheme. Their least favourite option is closing, but it’s something they will seriously consider when the campground closes for the season on April 24.
In the meantime a social media campaign has heated up, with members of the public considering setting up a Givealitte page to help save the campground.
Others are offering to do a working bee.
The outpouring of support has been welcomed by Puentener.
“It’s humbling to know that people do have a connection with the place.”
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